Summary

Thanks THH for his article in the Academy and his defence of CD and G. H. Darwin against Mivart. Still thinks he should write plainly to Mivart.

Summary

CD has written to Mivart to say that he will never hold any communication with him in future.

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Is alarmed by the petitions against vivisection that are being circulated. Believes there is scope for reasonable legislation and would like to see eminent physiologists prepare a petition so that the science could be protected and animals saved from needless suffering.

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Sends suggestions for observations on glacial phenomena that might be made on the [Polar] expedition [of H. M. S. Alert and Discovery, 1875–6].

Summary

CD believes Playfair’s bill would not restrict demonstrations under anaesthetic.

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Thanks for THH’s essay on species [article for an American encyclopedia].

Will probably never again write on large and general subjects; will keep to easier specific ones such as insectivorous and climbing plants.

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Astonished and disgusted at Klein’s evidence. No doubt there will be severe and vicious legislation against physiology. Will give evidence before Commission.

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Thanks for Elementary biology [1875]. Wishes he had had a course like it.

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Is coming to London. Will call on THH.

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Deeply grateful for THH’s tribute to him at conferring of LL.D. at Cambridge.

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Thanks for evolution article; would like to know what made Lamarck "change his front" so completely.

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CD’s election to Botany Section of French Academy amuses him, because he "doesn’t know the characters of a single natural order!".

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About Anthony Rich, who has decided to leave his fortune to CD [and later also to make a bequest to THH]. CD’s account of what he wrote to Rich.

Summary

Has read Hume with great pleasure, but found parts very stiff reading.

George Darwin has visited Anthony Rich.

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Thanks for Haeckel’s Freedom in science and teaching [1879], with preface by THH.

Enjoyed rap on knuckles THH gives Rudolf Virchow.

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Asks THH to advise him about a response to Samuel Butler’s attack accusing CD of dishonesty. Quotes the advice of others but will do what THH advises.

Summary

Greatly relieved by THH’s letter [advising against a reply to Samuel Butler].

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Is in town and will call on Sunday morning.

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Sorry he missed THH’s lecture ["The coming of age of The origin of species", Royal Institution, 9 Apr 1880]. Has read press notices and heard from his children of its great success.

Summary

Discusses Pallasian doctrine; considers plants are splendid for making one believe in natural selection.